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Stopped Letrozole this week, how long before side effects go away?
With support from my oncologist, I stopped Letrozole this week after 2 1/2 years. I literally could feel my vitality being sucked out of my body and the pain in my joints and bones are no joke. I have had two knee injuries in the last 6 months that feel caused by weak muscles/tendons/ligaments.
I know there are similar stories, my question is if you experienced this type of side effect and stopped taking Letrozole, how long did it take (if ever!) for them to stop? Did you regain strength afterwards?
Thanks for feedback, folks. Hang in there!
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@cat168
I’ve run out of AIs and Tamoxifen side effects are just as bad. I will try a reduced dosage of Tamoxifen before totally giving up. My oncologist said 50% of women Refuse to take AIs. He forgot to mention they can’t take them due to the side effects.
I asked him about DIM and I got the feeling he only supports medications created and tested by large drug companies. I guess that’s his job. He couldn’t tell me about DIM even though I’m sure he’s heard of it.
I haven’t seen sites that discuss DIM, can you send a link please?
@jesussister
You raise a question I've also wondered about, namely, what are my estrogen levels on letrozole. When I asked my oncology PA about testing my estrogen levels, she said they didn't do this, especially for post-menopausal women like me. I don't remember her exact explanation, but think it included something about the testing of estrogen levels being unreliable.
If anyone has actually worked with their oncologist or another doctor to test estrogen while on letrozole or another aromatase inhibitor, that would be helpful to hear. I think women who are using hormone replacement therapy may have their hormones tested for treatment recommendations, but many of us who have estrogen-positive breast cancer have been discouraged from using natural hormone replacement therapy.
@cat168
I took DIM intermittently before my breast cancer diagnosis and wish I'd been more disciplined about taking it. Regardless, though, it didn't prevent my breast cancer. Still, it's a supplement I'd like to look into more but have so many other issues to research before that one!
I think most oncologists will not be very knowledgeable about DIM or if they are, they will be cautious about recommending it. I found a study that did look at DIM and breast cancer and tamoxifen:
https://aacrjournals.org/cebp/article/26/3/435/71367/Effect-of-Diindolylmethane-on-Estrogen-related
Lumpectomy, then letrozole, then radiation in December 2025. Fatigue was major side effect so I thought I had dodged a bullet. Then trigger fingers on both hands erupted the same day about a month ago. Then all fingers hurt. Then left thigh felt like it would collapse under me a few times a day. Oncologist changed me to Anastrozole yesterday. Should I expect 4-6 weeks before improvement?
@joannebt, welcome. Have you noticed any changes in the couple weeks since you've switched medications?